Construction Zone: Eco-friendly icon

Skyline High School, a 1,600-student high school in Ann Arbor, Mich., has been completed in time for the 2008-09 school year.

A prominent feature of the school is a wind turbine at its highest point. Beyond its symbolic impact as a unique, environmentally sound piece, the turbine also is functional. The sinuous, spinning blades connect to a generator, which feeds power to science labs and other locations within the school. At these locations, students will monitor the turbine's energy generation. Visible from the main road and parking areas, the soundless turbine also provides movement on the building's exterior.

The 381,000-square-foot high school is situated on a 110-acre site, but will occupy only 65 acres. A four-story design configuration reduces the building's footprint on the site.

The school's four magnet programs are situated adjacent to a student commons, along with shared forum spaces and decentralized administrative offices (one for each magnet program).

The school is registered with the United States Green Building Council, and the team plans to apply for LEED certification.

TMP Associates, Inc. (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.), along with Mitchell and Mouat (Ann Arbor, Mich.) are the architects for the new school.